Update on my little Gus.

[LovelySydney]

Hi everyone, Im back! The vacation was GREAT! We needed it, but back to the grind now, we've been so busy jumping back into work so I haven't even had a chance to come on the boards:( It was good to get our 'family' back, really good to see the dogs and to see Gus.

Gus just isn't a people bird. It's kind of disheartening because we really try all we can to get him to come 'play' with us, but we realize that some birds just aren't people birds and we have to accept that. We let him fly about the living room when were home, he likes to sit in the windows and watch outside. If we come within 2 feet of him he flies away....if he's in his cage and we come near the cage he screeches like no tomorrow. He won't step up anymore, even on the dowel, so when he's on the floor we have to put gloves on and get him because otherwise he will run away or attempt to fly which is dangerous. He used to accept food from me very easily, sunflower seeds and such, and he runs from me now, yells at me. I don't know what we can do any differently, I've taken the advice on the board and done what I think is right when it comes to handling/training/taming Gus, but he seems just content to do his own thing. I guess one day he just woke up and decided he didn't want to cooperate anymore, lol. He was at a friends when we were on vaca, and she said he did exceptionally well, he was allowed to come out separately from her lovey - but she said he clearly wanted to play with her female, which I'm not surprised! We're still playing with the idea of getting another bird, but I don't want to feel like we're 'replacing' Gus or trying to make things better for us, it'd really be for him.

We'll see..we are taking it day by day. Only time will tell so for now we will just continue trying to be warriors with Gus!! :)

Hope everyone is doing very well and is having a good pre-spring!

[Jally]

Hi. Is Gus still a baby? If so, you'll have plenty of time to gain his trust. Patience :) I have a people lovie and he is so demanding. I also have a bird lovie that doesn't want much to do with us, which is OK by me because I was hoping that the second lovie would be friends with Peanut. I can't deal with 2 velcro birdies that fight for my attention LOL

Anyway, I think that with time, your lovie and mine will eventually come around.

Another point that could be possible, he is holding a grudge for going away. Yeah, they can do that!

[LovelySydney]

lol thats what my bf said! That he's mad we left him for so long. I just went home for lunch and let him sit in the window for a little bit - he loves the windows. I managed to get some good photos of him but haven't posted them yet...hope to do that soon!

[bookworm0550]

aw, that gusgus bird. i'm sure he'll come around. if it makes you feel better, i'm still waiting on Pan.

[Pips mom]

[QUOTE=Jally;135593

Another point that could be possible, he is holding a grudge for going away. Yeah, they can do that![/QUOTE]

Wow, my birds are always happy and relieved to be back home when we go away, and they are always happy to see us, and each other, since they get split up in different places....tiels to my parents, Pip to my sisters and Ivy to the neighbor next door. Maybe give Gus some time to adjust to being away and you all back home. Pip has always been Mr. social when it comes to people and any other animal! He does have his independent streak where he has to be off on his own, but he'll come to me sometimes just to hang out for a bit on my shoulder when he feels like it! For the most part he's a hands off bird, but I know him like a book.....I can tell his reasons for being the way the he is and totally understand! In time you will know Gus this way and he'll know you and it will all work out! Pip runs from us all the time when he doesn't want us around! then other times he'll come over to me and want to spend time. lovies are little stinkers.....if they don't want you around, they make it clear and there aint a darn thing you can do about it.....so you might as well accept it for now and let him be and have his time to himself......before ya know it, he'll be coming to you to play and hang out!

[Jally]

LOL I wouldn't personally know if birds hold a grudge since most of mine go with me when we go anywhere for long periods of time. But, I have read it on other forums that so and so's bird is mad and holding a grudge because its parronts went away without them.

[Al and Roxy]

Have you tried not looking directly at Gus with both eyes?Try approaching Gus from the side and olny looking at him with one eye.I read that only predetors look at birds with 2 eyes.
I also found I had to move very slowly . I kept my head down and did not move .No eye contact.I would open her cage very slowly and put the dowel with millet just at the opening. I sat still , very still with millet , it took no joke 1 hour before she would approach me. I did this for months.
I also took notes to notice what she reacted to and when. Maybe Gus will react differently at different times of the day, or early evening or when wet. Most birds are more docile in the evening or after a bath. Take advantage of those times.
I noticed Roxy did not like it when I wore red .

You could try meditating around Gus , near his cage. Gus may be picking up on some sorta vibe you are not aware of.
I do know that any living creature is capably of change - do not discontd Gus or you! You can do it! Keep your spirits up!
No matter what, one thing solved another pops up like life!
Alida

[michael]

I have to agree with Jally in that Gus has plenty time to change his views. You've also been away for a bit, and that alone could have caused some confusion for Gus. Also, the fact that he's only about four months old, there's lots of things going on near the onset of puberty that can lend itself towards influencing a lovebirds behavior. Hormones for one, can kick in causing him or her to direct most their energy towards procuring a mate. For some birds, all their owners need apply is a fair amount of understanding and in time this will pass without much consequence. For others, more drastic measures are needed to not only help maintain the owners flock integrity, but most importantly, the birds physical/mental comfort as well. As for aquiring a possible mate for Gus, your very wise to feel that would be more of a decision based on his needs more so than your own. Although doubtful, understanding that you could very well end up with two "non-poeple" lovebirds, or even two that don't get along, is a prospect well worth the extra thought when it comes time to provide for their care.

I understand Gus is still somewhat young to be clipped yet. Then again, as long as his flight skills are relatively well established, this might be a good time to consider a "mild" wing clip by someone who's very experienced. A wing clip may just give you a necessary advantage. Please note...Sometimes gloves are very scarey. For some, they may even leave a lasting impression!..... Let us know what you think..............:)

[LovelySydney]

Gus had a very social day today - he even contemplated coming and visiting me while i was on the computer, I could tell because he was doing the head bobbing, but he never ended up getting the nerve to come see me. it was ok, he watched! He was very entertaining, playing with all his toys and showing off in his cage. I think he was just PO'd that bf and I took off for a little and left him by his lonesome. He's doing better now that's for sure, and he has begun accepting food from me again! yea!

[michael]

Gus is accepting food from you?..........:happy:.........Whoopie!.....Who knows where this could go next!

You know, Alida has a very good point too. Make a little eye contact every now and then....blink a few times....:wink:....(use both eye's though :rolleyes:).

I always talk to my birdies too. I've noticed no matter who's or what bird I talk to, they always seem to get real curious. Especially if I sneak in a whistle..............:whistle:

Keep us posted!.........:)